Jefferies & Co. Hikes Estimates on Cerner Corp.

Analyst David Francis says all of Cerner's key metrics are showing strength. He says the company is taking advantage of steadily increasing demand for rich clinical capabilities of systems in the slowly recovering healthcare information technology (HCIT) market to sign large deals and increase its market presence. Francis thinks the company's footprint is becoming more prominent.

The analyst raised his $0.76 2001 EPS estimate to $0.82, reflecting management's confidence in building demand. However, he thinks the stock's valuation is full. Francis maintains his hold rating on the shares as the HCIT industry enters a seasonally slow quarter.